The 17th Kagyu Gunchö (Winter Dharma Gathering) will be held at Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya again from December 3, 2013, to January 1, 2014. During the event, monks from more than ten Kagyu shedras (monastic colleges) will gather for a month of teachings, debate, study, and discussion. The main topics for debate will be the Intermediate Collected Topics (Düdra), the Types of Cognition (Lorik), and Types of Reasons (Takrik). As at the last Kagyu Gunchö, there will be a competition among the different shedras. The finals of the competition will be held on December 28.

During the Gunchö, His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa will also continue the transmission and teaching of the Hundred Short Instructions by the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje, resuming where he left off last year.

A special feature of this year’s program is the introduction of three debates on Madhyamaka philosophy. They will be held on December 10, December 18, and December 27. These debates will be not be held in the traditional Tibetan style but will also incorporate elements from contemporary debating practices.

The Gunchö will close with a four-day conference on Madhyamika from December 29 to January 1. Topics to be discussed will include:

the history of Nagarjuna and Āryadeva and the development of the Madhyamaka philosophy in India;

the spread in Tibet of the Autonomist school of Śāntarakshita and Kamalashila and its eventual eclipse;

the development of the earlier and later Consequentialist traditions in Tibet, beginning from Patsap Lotsawa;

The background and specific features of the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje’s commentary on the Madhyamakāvatara;

The presentation of the two truths in terms of the three phases in the Karma Kagyu school;

An examination of whether there are any distinctions between the Shentong views professed by Jonang Sherap Gyaltsen and the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje;

Similarities and differences between the view and meditation of Mahamudra and that of the Chinese Chan tradition;

Whether Sutra Mahamudra is in taught in the second or third Wheel of Dharma or in any Indian treatises; and

Buddhism in society.

For the monks in Kagyu shedras, the Gunchö has always been a opportunity to deepen their understanding, gain new insights, and make contacts with monks in other monasteries in addition to receiving teachings from great masters such as His Holiness the Karmapa. For many, it is the highlight of the year.

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

Follow Karmapa

His Holiness likes to keep in touch with students using social media. Please click the icons above to connect with Karmapa around the web